Structural Implications of High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Surveys in the Riruwai Complex, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Exploratory and mineral data collection is crucial for boosting investor confidence in the Nigerian mining sector and promoting the development of mineral resources in Nigeria. Geological structures play a vital role in mineral exploration, and high resolution aeromagnetic data analysis over the Riruwai Complex was utilized to identify these structures and their impact on mineralization. The enhancement techniques applied include Analytical Signal (AS) and Tilt Derivatives (TDR). The analytic signal of the reduced-to-the-equator anomaly highlighted the edges of highly altered rocks within the complex, corresponding to the biotite granite, Kaffo albite arfvedsonite granite, and Kaffo riebeckite porphyry-bearing granites. This was also accompanied by clusters of positive intensity values ranging from 0.68 to 1.39 nT/m, attributed to highly evolved, late-stage, low-density residual fluid-rich magmatic material, emplaced as granites in a separate magmatic phase following an initial eruption of less evolved volcanic material. Tilt Derivatives (TDR) accentuated the structural lineaments, which play a significant role in the enrichment of U, Th, Zr, Sn, Nb, and the exsolution of fluorine-bearing fluids during the late magmatic stage, concentrating in fissures and fractures. This study demonstrates that structural interpretation based on aeromagnetic data is an effective approach for mineral exploration.